Contents
Description
Acer pseudoplatanus atropurpureum, commonly known as the Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple, is a deciduous tree that is native to central Europe. It is a cultivar of Acer pseudoplatanus, which is also known as the Sycamore Maple. This tree can reach a height of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and a width of up to 15 meters (49 feet). The leaves of this tree are large, lobed, and purple-red in color, with a velvety texture. The bark is smooth and gray, with vertical stripes. The flowers of this tree are small and yellow-green in color, and they bloom in spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple has large, lobed leaves that are purple-red in color, with a velvety texture. The leaves are about 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) long and wide, and they are arranged in an opposite pattern on the branches. The bark of this tree is smooth and gray, with vertical stripes. The flowers of this tree are small and yellow-green in color, and they bloom in spring. The fruit of this tree is a samara, which is a winged seed that is about 3-5 cm (1-2 inches) long. The samaras are arranged in pairs and they ripen in fall.
Care Guide
Water
The Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. Water the tree deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilize the tree in early spring using a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Follow the dosage instructions on the fertilizer label.
Soil
The Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.
Sunlight
This tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not grow as well in low light conditions.
Hardiness Zones
The Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
Pests
– Aphids- Scale insects- Japanese beetles
Diseases
– Verticillium wilt- Tar spot- AnthracnoseTo prevent these problems, keep the tree healthy by providing proper care and pruning any dead or diseased branches.
Habitat
The Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple is native to central Europe, where it grows in mixed deciduous forests and along riverbanks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does the Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple grow?
A: The Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 60 cm (2 feet) per year.
Q: Can the Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple be grown in containers?
A: It is possible to grow the Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple in containers, but it may not grow as large as it would in the ground.
Q: When is the best time to prune the Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple?
A: The best time to prune the Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple is in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Q: What is the mature size of the Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple?
A: The Purple-leaf Sycamore Maple can reach a height of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and a width of up to 15 meters (49 feet).
Related Plants
– Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore Maple)- Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)- Acer rubrum (Red Maple)- Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)
References
– “Acer pseudoplatanus Atropurpureum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 10, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a560.- “Acer pseudoplatanus Atropurpureum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 10, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11419/Acer-pseudoplatanus-Atropurpureum/Details.- “Purple-Leaf Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus Atropurpureum).” Gardenia.net. Accessed September 10, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/acer-pseudoplatanus-atropurpureum-purple-leaf-sycamore-maple.
